Since I posted about the loss of my close friend, Dave last week, the response and show of support has not only been amazing, but surprising too. To be honest, for most of this time I've written about my experience for the sake of going through my own mourning process. I felt there was a lot I needed to say and by writing about it I was helping myself to better understand what I was going through.
If the phone calls and messages from family and friends weren't enough, I've been reminded that there's actually an audience behind the views that show up on Editing Luke everyday. They're often quiet folks, and most of them never leave comments. That was until this happened. One after the other I started seeing messages in my inbox from complete strangers expressing their condolences. They shared their thoughts and offered their words of support, and I can't begin to tell you how much this has meant to me.
This outpouring has reminded me about why I even began this site. It was all about finding a way to get feedback, to connect with people, and to create a more communal creative experience. I often feel like my blog is still a very one sided undertaking, but the messages I've received and the response to the video I created for Dave have proven otherwise. I am genuinely moved and honored to have had so many people make this experience easier by simply letting me know they were there.
Likewise, the response from Dave's friends and family has been just as impressive. While I used my blog to express my own emotions, in person I wanted to be strong and dedicate as much of my energy to them. To be honest it surprised me to hear them say I needed the support as much as they did. Maybe I just didn't want to admit it, I don't know.
I feel like I've already worked through a lot of the shock and pain as a result of simply talking with friends and sharing stories. There are moments of weakness that will probably continue to hit me when I realize how certain things have changed, but that's to be expected. In the meantime, the support continues to take the edge off, and you, the readers, have played a big role where that's been concerned.
4 comments :
Luke, I can identify with a lot of this post. Thank you for writing it. I will be writing a thank you letter of my own soon, but have a few other things I think I need to work through first.
It's amazing how much of an impact the care of complete strangers can have on you. It's touching that in this vast space of the Internet, that even a single person who doesn't know you can take the time to offer up words of support or even just to offer condolences.
As much as I'm still working through all of this myself, I will always be here if you want to talk about something or need help working through something yourself.
Likewise, Wendy :)
Actually Luke I think a lot of us should thank you. You are strong, loyal, smart, unique, personable and ridiculously talented. I think daily you surprise people with your character, surpassing expectations and pull it all off just being Luke. I lot of us take inspiration from you and what you do.
Wow, that's a very generous comment, M. That means a lot. I assure you it's a give and take relationship though. It often feels unbalanced when I can't see the people who visit or how they're taking my words, but this situation has proven that when I need the support there's more there than I expected. We're all feeding off of each others creativity and inspirations and that's what I love about it.
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